Facet Joint Disorders

Do you suffer from pain that seems to radiate out of your backbone? Is it worse when you lean backwards, but mostly random? You may be suffering from a facet joint disorder. This kind of back pain often baffles patients, but at the Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, we’ll help you to understand its cause, resolve it, and prevent it from returning.

The term “facet joint” refers to the connections between the bony protrusions from the posterior sides of the vertebrae. These joints allow the vertebrae a limited degree of mobility, but also prevent them from sliding too far past each other or rotating too much. When the supportive tissue of the joint is torn, the joint may slide out of place, resulting in a subluxation. The pressure of the displaced vertebra can trigger muscle spasms and irritate the nearby nerves, resulting in radiating pain. Displaced bones can also erode the cartilage that cushions the joints, resulting in stiffness and the growth of bony spurs.

Because pain from a displaced facet joint radiates, it may be hard to identify the source of the problem. Our imaging tests and manual examinations will help us to pinpoint where a facet has broken and distinguish facet joint disorders from problems in the spinal discs or nearby organs. An adjustment can help to relieve pressure on nerves and other soft tissues, as can the application of heat. In the long-term, strengthening the muscles attached to the spine through therapeutic exercise will make vertebrae less likely to move out of place, and better posture will cause less cartilage erosion.

Dr. James Huggins runs the Carolina Chiropractic Center at 1627 Suite C, South Irby, Florence, South Carolina, 29505. To set up an appointment, call 843-665-9192 or visit Carolina Chiro Center and fill out a contact form.

 

National Chiropractic Health Month

October marks National Chiropractic Health Month, when chiropractors make particular effort to educate the public about the importance of maintaining musculoskeletal health. Back pain is extremely common, being one of the most frequent medical complaints for people of all ages. But chiropractic is about more than soothing tightness and inflammation in the back muscles. It’s also about ensuring that dislocated joints and swollen tissues won’t disrupt other bodily systems by compressing nerves. Let’s take a look at some basic aspects of joint health and how we at the Carolina Chiopractic Center in Florence can help to keep the body in optimal condition.

Joints are attached to each other by soft tissues called ligaments. Muscles are secured to joints by tendons, which are strong fibers, but are prone to fraying and heal slowly from injuries due to their limited blood supply. The bones that make up a joint are cushioned and lubricated by a substance called articular cartilage, which can be worn down with time or by bone spurs. Some joints are also cushioned by structures called bursae that produce a lubricating fluid called synovia.

Our chiropractic office offers many treatments for reducing inflammation and realigning joints. Manual adjustments correct backbones and shoulder bones that have been displaced by trauma or inflammation of the bursae or muscles. Soft tissue treatments such as electric muscle stimulation, low level laser therapy, and Diapulse combat inflammation directly. Stem cell therapy generates the growth of new connective and cushioning tissue. Furthermore, our knowledge of the musculoskeletal system allows us to not only relieve symptoms, but prevent their return by advising on strength-training and flexibility exercises, nutrition, and lifestyle improvements. With stronger muscles, healthier food, and better posture, you can stop subjecting your joints to stress and remain vibrant throughout life.

Dr. James Huggins runs the Carolina Chiropractic Center at 1627 Suite C, South Irby, Florence, South Carolina, 29505. To set up an appointment, call 843-665-9192 or visit Carolina Chiro Center and fill out a contact form.

 

What is Fibromyalgia?

Many people inaccurately think of chiropractic as only treatment for the back. In fact, at the Carolina Chiropractic center in Florence, we are concerned with the entire body and overall wellness of our patients. One of the best examples of a disease which requires a whole-body approach is fibromyalgia. This condition has no known cure but is treated with the non-invasive, non-addictive therapies in our office.

Fibromyalgia is believed to be a dysfunction in how the brain processes impulses from the rest of the body. Most of the people who develop it are middle-aged women who have recently experienced enormous stress, physical trauma, or infection, but an exact cause is hard to pin down. People with fibromyalgia describe themselves as feeling constant aches throughout their bodies, as well as fatigue. They also frequently have psychological issues such as anxiety and depression and conditions that are linked to psychological stress, such as irritable bowel syndrome. One of fibromyalgia’s defining features is how afflicted people have difficulty remembering things or focusing.

Getting pain under control can only help with fibromyalgia’s psychological symptoms. The electric muscle stimulation we offer helps the body to release endorphins, which are its natural pain relievers. Spinal adjustments and other therapies to relieve pressure on the nerves can also improve the body’s internal communication system.

Dr. James Huggins operates the Carolina Chiropractic Center at 1627 Suite C, South Irby, Florence, South Carolina, 29505. To set up an appointment, call 843-665-9192 or visit Carolina Chiro Center and fill out a contact form.

 

Neck Stiffness

Do you suffer from neck stiffness? You don’t have to anymore! At the Carolina Chiropractic Clinic, we offer holistic, non-invasive treatments for musculoskeletal problems, but we want our patients to understand how to avoid stiffness, as well.

When a patient comes in complaining of a stiff neck, we’ll run imaging tests and conduct an examination to determine the cause. Sometimes, the problem may be an infection such as meningitis. However, the vast majority of the time, it is strain and pressure on the levator scapulae muscles. These muscles are what link the neck vertebrae to the shoulders. They get worn down through frequent usage, such as in swimmers, who turn their heads with each stroke. They can also be strained through unhealthy usages, such as when people rest their chins on their palms, which pushes on the neck.

It is also possible for the levator scapulae muscles to be pinched by misalignments in the neck vertebrae. Through spinal adjustments, electric muscle stimulation, and cold laser therapy, we can manage discomfort while helping the body to heal itself. We can also recommend therapeutic exercises and lifestyle changes that will prevent a relapse.

Dr. James Huggins operates the Carolina Chiropractic Center at 1627 Suite C, South Irby, Florence, South Carolina, 29505. To set up an appointment, call 843-665-9192 or visit Carolina Chiro Center and fill out a contact form.